
Contents
Contents
Notes
6About this Owner's Manual
6Symbols used
6Symbol on vehicle parts
6Your individual vehicle
6Status at time of printing
7For your own safety
7Service and warranty
8Reporting safety defects
Overview
12Cockpit
13Instrument cluster
14Indicator and warning lamps
Opening and closing
18Keys
18Central locking system
18Remote control
20Door lock
20Interior
21Luggage compartment lid
22Luggage compartment 
22Electric power windows
23Manual convertible top
24Fully automatic convertible top*
26Wind deflector*
27Alarm system*
Adjustments
29Safe seating position
29Seats
30Seat memory*
 
31Seat heating*
31Safety belts
32Steering wheel 
32Mirrors 
33Airbags
34Transporting children safely
37Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 
Driving
38Ignition lock 
38Engine
39Parking brake 
40Manual transmission 
40Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*
42Electric Power Steering EPS
42Drivelogic*
42Turn signal indicators/Headlamp 
flasher 
43Washer/wiper system and 
rain sensor* 
44Cruise control* 
Lamps
45Parking lamps/Low beams
46High beams/Standing lamps
46Instrument lighting
46Fog lamps
46Interior lamps
© 2002 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 897
US English VIII/02
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper –
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling. 

Adjustments
30 After releasing the lever, move the seat 
backwards or forwards slightly to ensure 
that the latch engages securely
2Height
Pull lever 2 and apply weight to or remove 
weight from the seat as required
3Backrest
Pull lever 3 and apply weight to or remove 
weight from the backrest as required.
Head restraints#
Adjustments 
Height: pull or push.
In order to move to the lowest positions, 
press button 1.
Adjust the head restraint so that its 
center is approximately at the height 
of your ears. Otherwise, there is a higher 
risk of injury to the cervical vertebra in the 
event of an accident.<
Removal
Pull the head restraint upward until it stops.
Press button 1 and remove the head 
restraint.
Installation
Insert the head restraint into the guides. 
Power seat adjustment
1Tilt angle
2Backward/forward adjustment
3Height
4Backrest angle
The head restraints are adjusted manually. 
Refer to preceding section.
Read and comply with the adjustment 
instructions on page 29. Failure to 
do so can result in diminished personal 
safety.<
Seat memory* 
You can store and recall three different 
driver's seat positions.
To store
1.Ignition key position 1 or 2
2.Adjust seat to desired position
3.Press the 
MEMORY button: the indica-
tor lamp in the button lights up 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 31
4.Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as 
desired. The indicator lamp goes out.
To select a stored setting
Do not select a memory position while 
the vehicle is moving. If you do so, 
there is a risk of accident due to unex-
pected seat movement.<
Ignition key position 1:
>Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3, 
as desired.
Movement stops immediately when one 
of the seat adjustment or memory but-
tons is operated during the adjustment 
process.
With the driver's door closed and the igni-
tion key either removed or in position 0 
or 2:
>Press and hold the desired memory 
button – 1, 2 or 3 – until the adjustment 
process is completed.
If you press the 
MEMORY button 
accidentally: press the button again; 
the indicator lamp goes out.<
You can have your vehicle adjusted in 
such a way that your personal set-
tings are automatically set for the seat 
positions when you unlock the vehicle with 
your personal remote control.<
If you make use of this method of 
adjustment, be sure that the space 
behind the driver's seat is unobstructed 
before unlocking the vehicle. If you fail to 
do so, objects behind the seat could be 
damaged by a rearward movement of the 
seat.<
Seat heating*
The seat cushion and backrest can be 
heated with the ignition key in position 2.
You can call up different heating modes by 
repeatedly pressing the buttons.
The seat heating can also be switched off 
from the higher heating modes:
Press the button and hold it slightly longer.
Safety belts
Always fasten your safety belt before start-
ing off. As supplemental restraint devices, 
the airbags are designed to enhance the 
effectiveness of the safety belts, and not to 
replace them.
To close
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the 
belt buckle.
Please fasten safety belts warning 
lamp:
Lights up for several seconds.
An acoustic signal will sound at the same 
time. 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 37
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory 
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that 
you could configure individual functions of 
your vehicle to reflect your own personal 
requirements. In engineering your vehicle, 
BMW has incorporated a number of 
options for personal adjustment that can be 
programmed into your vehicle at your BMW 
center. 
The available configuration data fall into 
two categories, according to whether their 
primary orientation is the vehicle – Vehicle 
Memory, or the individual – Key Memory. 
You can have up to four different basic set-
tings adjusted for four different persons. 
The only requirement is that each person 
uses his or her own remote control key. 
When your vehicle is unlocked with the 
remote control, the vehicle recognizes the 
individual user by means of a data 
exchange with the key, and makes adjust-
ments accordingly.
Colored decals were provided with the 
keys to help you distinguish between the 
different personal remote control keys.
What the system can do
You can learn about the entire array of fea-
tures this system offers at your BMW cen-
ter. A few examples follow below:
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Various signals as acknowledgement 
when locking or unlocking your vehicle: 
refer to pages 18, 19>Activation/deactivation of the "Follow-
me-home" function: refer to page 45
>Activation/deactivation of daytime driv-
ing lamps: refer to page 45
>Setting the units of measurement for 
the temperature and distance traveled 
in the instrument cluster display.
Examples for Key Memory:
>Locking of the vehicle when you start 
off: refer to page 20
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's 
seat position to the personal pro-
grammed settings when the vehicle is 
unlocked: refer to page 30.
You will see this symbol throughout 
the Owner's Manual. It is to remind 
you at appropriate places of the settings 
that are available to you.< 

Everything from A - Z
98 Brake system 65
– brake fluid level 81
– brake pads 66
– break-in procedures 64
– disc brakes 65
Brakes
– driving notes 65
Break-in procedures 64
– brake system 64
– clutch 64
– differential 64
– engine 64
– tires 64
Bulb
– defective 45
– replacement 84
C
California Proposition 65 
warning 83
Can holder 61
Capacities 94, 96
– luggage 
compartment 22, 94
Car battery 87
Car radio, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car wash, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure
Cargo loading 66
Cassette player operation, 
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to 
High temperatures 65
CD player operation, refer 
to the Owner's Manual for 
Radio
Cellular phone 
preparation 61
Cellular phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 87
Central locking system 18
– button 20
– interior 20
Charge indicator 
lamp 14, 88Check gas cap 70
– indicator lamp 14
Child seat 34
Child-restraint mounting 
system (LATCH) 36
Child-restraint systems 34
Cigarette lighter 61
Cleaning the headlamps 43
Cleaning the windshield 43
Clock
– 12/24-hour mode 49
– adjusting, refer also to the 
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
Clothes hooks 27
Cluster 13
Clutch
– break-in procedure 64
Cockpit 12
Code, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Combination switch, refer 
to Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher 42
Compartments 60
Compression ratio 94
Computer 49
– average fuel 
consumption 50
– average speed 50
– clock, 12/24-hour 
mode 49
– cruising range 50
– outside temperature 49
Condensation
– removing from 
windows 56, 58
Configuring adjustments, 
refer to Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory 37
Consumption 50
Convenience operation
– convertible top 20
– windows 20
Convertible top 23
– convenience operation 20
– electrical fault 25
– emergency operation 25
– malfunction 25
– manual operation 23
– mechanical 23Convertible top compart-
ment panel 22
Coolant 80, 96
– indicator lamp 14
Coolant thermometer 47
Cooling system 96
Cooling, maximum 58
Copyright 4, 6
Cruise control 44
Cruising range 50
Cup holder, refer to Bever-
age holder 61
Curb weight 94
Cylinders 94
D
Data 94
– engine 94
– filling capacities 96
– weights 94
Daytime driving lamps 45
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 52
Defects 8
Deflector for wind 26
Defrost setting 56, 58
Defroster, rear window
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 59
Defrosting
– windows 56, 58
Differential
– break-in procedures 64
Digital clock
Dimensions 95
Dimming mirror 33
Dipstick, engine oil 79
Disc brakes 65
Displacement 94
Displays, refer to Instru-
ment cluster 13
Door lock 20
Door lock buttons 21
Doors
– emergency operation 20
– locking 19
– unlocking 19
DOT quality grades 73
Drivelogic 42 

Everything from A - Z
100 Indicator lamps
– airbag 33
– alarm system 27
– brake fluid 81
– engine temperature 47
– flat tire 75
– Flat Tire Monitor 53
– reserve tank 47
Inflation pressure 71
– monitor 53
INSPECTION 48
Instrument cluster 13
Instrument lighting 46
Instrument panel 12
Interior
– central locking system 20
Interior lamps 19, 46
– remote control 19
Interior mirror
– automatic dimming 
feature 33
Interior motion sensor 19
– deactivating 28
Interior rearview mirror 32
Interlock 38
Intermittent operation, 
windshield wipers 43
J
Jack 87
– jacking points 87
Jets, refer to 
Ventilation 56, 59
Jump-starting 89
K
Key Memory 37
Keys 18
– spare 18
– with remote control 18
Knee airbags 33
L
Lamp
– passenger airbags 35
Lamp control 45
Lamp replacement 84Lamps
– backup lamp 86
– brake lamp 86
– bulb replacement 84
– center high-mount brake 
lamp 87
– daytime driving lamps 45
– defective bulbs 45
– fog lamps 46
– headlamp flasher 46
– headlamps 84
– high beams 46, 85
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb 14
– instrument lighting 46
– interior lamps 46
– lamp replacement 84
– license plate lamps 87
– LIGHTS ON warning 45
– low beams 45, 85
– low beams, automatic 45
– parking lamps 45
– reading lamps 46
– rear lamp 86
– standing lamps 46
– turn signal indicators 86
– xenon lamps 85
LATCH child-restraint 
mounting system 36
Length 95
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 87
Light switch 45
Lighter 61
LIGHTS ON warning 45
Loads, securing 66
Lock
– door 20
Locking 19
Longlife oils 80
Low beams 45
– automatic 45
– bulb replacement 85
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb 14
Luggage 
compartment 22, 94
– capacity 94
– enlarging 22
– remote control 19Luggage compartment 
lid 21
– emergency release from 
luggage compartment's 
interior 22
– opening from the 
inside 21
– opening from the 
outside 21
– opening/closing 21
– remote control 19
M
M+S tires 76
Maintenance system 82
Malfunction
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 70
– remote control 19
– storage compartment 60
Malfunction of electrical 
accessory 88
Manual convertible top 23
Manual operation
– door lock 20
– electrical convertible 
top 25
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Manual transmission 40
Master key 18
Maximum cooling 58
MC operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical convertible 
top 23
Mechanical seat 29
Memory
– seats 30
Memory, refer to Key Mem-
ory, Vehicle Memory 37
Microfilter 59
Microphone, cellular 
phone 61
Mirrors 32
– heating 32
Modifications, 
technical 7 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 101
N
Navigation system, refer to 
the separate Owner's 
Manual
Nets 60
O
OBD socket 83
Odometer 47
Oil 79
– additives 80
– capacity 96
– quality 80
Oil change interval, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models/Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Oil consumption 79
Oil dipstick 79
Oil filter change 96
Oil level 79
– checking 79
– indicator lamp 14
Oil pressure 79
– indicator lamp 14
Oil sensor 79
– indicator lamp 14
OIL SERVICE 48
Oil types 80
Onboard computer, refer to 
Computer or to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 84
Operating elements 12
Outlets, refer to 
Ventilation 56, 59
Output 94
Outside air mode
– air conditioning 56
Outside temperature 
display 48
– changing units 49
– in computer 49
P
Paintwork, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure
Panel lighting 46
Panic mode 19
Parking brake 39
– indicator lamp 14
Parking lamps 45
Particle filter
– automatic climate 
control 56
Passenger airbags
– activation/deactivation 34
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 59
– Particle filter 56
Power seat 30
Power steering, electric 42
Power windows 22
Preparations for the cellular 
phone 61
Pressure monitor, tires 53
Pressure, tires 71
R
Radiator 96
Radio, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 43
Reading lamps 46
Rear lamps 86
– bulb replacement 86
Rear window defroster
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 59
Rearview mirror 32
Recirculated air mode
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 58
Refueling 70
Remote control 18
– interior motion sensor 19
– luggage compartment 
lid 19
– malfunction 19Remote control keys 18
Replacement key 18
Replacement of tires 73
Reserve tank indicator 
lamp 47
Restraint systems 34
Reverse 40
Run Flat tires 73, 75, 87
– flat tire 75
S
Safety belts 31
Safety defects 8
Seat adjustment
– storing 30
Seat heating 31
Seat memory 30
Seats 29
– adjustment, 
mechanical 29
– adjustment, power 30
Securing loads 66
Securing, locking the 
vehicle 19
Selector lever
– automatic 
transmission 40
– position, automatic 
transmission 40
Service 48
Service and warranty 7
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 82
Service Engine Soon 83
– indicator lamp 14
Service interval 
display 48, 82
Shiftlock 40
Side airbags 33
Snow chains 76
Socket
– for Onboard 
Diagnostics 83
– refer to Cigarette lighter 
socket 61
Spare fuses 88
Spare key 18
Special oils 80
Speed control, refer to 
Cruise control 44